Ground Beef and Broccoli
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This irresistible Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is the kind of weeknight dinner I make on repeat. It’s fast, flavorful, and super family-friendly!
If you’re looking for a new way to use ground beef, this recipe is for you! My beef and broccoli stir fry has a simple sauce that’s both bold and slightly sweet, thanks to coconut aminos.
Everyone likes ground hamburger, right? I think when you use give kiddos one of their favorite foods and tuck in some nutrient-rich vegetables with it, there’s a lot less fussing.
The whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, using simple, delicious ingredients your family will love. Everything cooks in one skillet and it’s on the table fast: no complicated prep required!
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my most important mom tested cooking tips for making ground beef and broccoli! I’ve made this countless times to save you from a failed attempt.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should still have a slight crunch to it.
- Drain the beef well. Before adding it back to the pan, drain the beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Make it ahead. You can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: I use 85% lean ground beef for this recipe, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli works best here. Cut into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-heat oil that’s perfect for sautéing and stir frying.
- Coconut Aminos: This gluten-free soy sauce alternative adds rich umami flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Adds depth and a subtle toasty flavor that’s essential in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Sriracha (or hot sauce): Brings just the right amount of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste!
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens up the sauce and balances the richness of the beef.
- Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for lots of bold, savory flavor.
- Ginger: Freshly grated or minced ginger adds a little extra kick.
- Sesame Seeds: A light sprinkle on top adds visual appeal and crunch.
- Green Onions: Sliced thin for a fresh finish!
Substitutions and Variations
Ground Beef: You can swap for ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork.
Coconut Aminos: If you’re not avoiding soy, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari instead. For details on the differences, read my post, Coconut Aminos vs Soy Sauce.
Add-ins: Stir in sliced mushrooms, carrots, or diced bell peppers for even more veggies.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️
- Whisk together stir fry sauce: ¼ cup coconut aminos, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons minced garlic and 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger. Set aside for now.
- Brown the hamburger meat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain beef in strainer and keep aside for now.
- Add the broccoli florets and ⅓ cup water to skillet, cover, and steam until bright green and fork tender (about 3 minutes).
- Return the meat back to the skillet and add the stir fry sauce. Stir to coat completely and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve it while it’s warm!
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe FAQ
Yes, but be sure to thaw it and pat it dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the pan. Frozen broccoli also cooks a bit faster, so watch it closely.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
You can, but the texture of the broccoli may soften when reheated. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.
I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
Main
- 1-2 lbs ground beef
- 4-6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil divided
- Salt and pepper
Sauce
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 cloves
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
Garnish
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1-2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Whisk together stir fry sauce ingredients: ¼ cup coconut aminos, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons minced garlic and 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger. Set aside for now.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain beef in strainer and keep aside for now.
- Add ⅓ cup water and broccoli florets to skillet, cover, and steam until bright green and fork tender(about 3 minutes).
- Add the beef back to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir to coat completely and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately over rice or cauliflower rice and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- You can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw it and pat it dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the pan.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This beef and broccoli stir fry is one of my favorite easy recipes, and it’s endlessly versatile, too! Try it with:
- Rice: Instant Pot Jasmine rice is fantastic with Asian dishes, or make some fried rice!
- Noodles: Serving this dish over rice noodles or soba noodles is a popular choice.
- Even more veggies: This dish is great with another vegetable side dish, like these roasted air fryer carrots or this purple cabbage and carrot slaw.
Really great flavors! Tasty and quick recipe that pleased the whole family! I will definitely be adding this one to our rotation, thank you!
Hey Sarah! I’m so happy to hear the whole family loved it! There’s nothing better than a quick, tasty dinner that everyone enjoys. Thanks for adding it to your rotation!